See “What the Numbers Mean” in The Ultimate Green Car Buyer’s Guide, 2012 for a full description of the metrics we collected for each model.

Coda

Electric, Compact

Base Price: $38,100?
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe: 77/68/73
Annual Fuel Cost: $850
Air Pollution Score: 10
Greenhouse Gas Score: 10
ACEEE Green Score and Class Ranking: N/A
Safety Ratings: N/A
Space: 82 cu. ft. p.v./seats 5
Drive Score: 2.5
Similar Used: New for 2012

Good to Know:

• Price for the Coda sedan was originally announced at $44,000, but the company dropped the price for the 2012 base-level model — with a 31-kwh battery — to $37,250.
• The EPA-rated driving range is 88 miles on a single full charge.
• The Coda’s 6.6-kilowatt charger is faster than the Nissan Leaf’s — adding closer to 20 miles of driving per hour of charging rather than 10 to 12 hours.
• The Coda sedan is assembled using existing gas-powered four-door cars manufactured in China. Coda integrates vehicle components and systems from 30 global suppliers.
• When the 36-kwh battery option becomes available, Coda will push the range to 120-plus miles.
• For now, the Coda is only available in California. Expect low production numbers for the first year or two.
• Calling its design boring is a dramatic understatement.
• Coda is the underdog of the electric vehicle movement. The company has been given no federal grants and faces an uphill battle to prove its quality and become a business success.

What the Press Says:

• “While its range is impressive and its ride isn’t bad, the sticker price is liable to shock you even while its exterior styling puts you to sleep.” — Popular Mechanics
• “The Coda is most notable for its range and quick charging. … Its ride and finish are at least on par with better-known independent EV manufacturers, including Tesla Motors.” — Los Angeles Times

More 2012 green cars: Find details about many more green cars from other automakers in The Ultimate Green Car Buyer’s Guide, 2012.

Photo from Coda